History of CNC

1949
US Air Force asks MIT to develop a "numerically controlled"
machine.
1952
Prototype NC machine demonstrated (punched tape input)
1980-
CNC machines (computer used to link directly to controller)
1990-
DNC: external computer “drip feeds” control programmer
to machine tool controller
Introduction to Numerical Control
What is numerical control (NC)?
NC has been defined by the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) as” a
system in which actions are controlled by the direct insertion of numerical data
at some points. The system must automatically interpret at least some portion
of this data”
The term ‘NC‘ is used to describe the control of the various functions of a
machine using numeric data. In the early age of NC, machines were fed with
information by means of the punched tape. An Electro-mechanical tape reader
was used to load a machine tape into the controller.

In other words, Programmable automation in which the mechanical actions of a

‘machine tool’ are controlled by a program containing coded alphanumeric
data that represents relative positions between a work head (e.g., cutting tool)
and a work part.
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INTRODUCTION
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) is one in which the functions
and motions of a machine tool are controlled by means of a
prepared program containing coded alphanumeric data.
CNC can control the motions of the work piece or tool, the input
parameters such as feed, depth of cut, speed, and the functions
such as turning spindle on/off, turning coolant on/off.

X will be the diameter controlling axis

Z will be the length controlling axis
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Advantages and Limitations

The benefits of CNC are
(1) High accuracy in manufacturing,
(2) Short production time,
(3) Greater manufacturing flexibility,
(4) Simpler fixturing,
(5) Contour machining (2 to 5 -axis machining),
(6) Reduced human error.
The drawbacks include
(1)High cost,
(2)Maintenance, and
(3)The requirement of skilled part programmer.